Small Business Owners’ Outlook Improves

The 2011 U.S. Bank Small Business Annual Survey shows that the perception of the economy and the banking industry, in general, has improved since last year.

Small business owners recognize signs of improvement and a stabilizing job outlook, with a smaller number believing the country is still in a recession. Perceptions of the banking industry are also improving as banks increase their focus on small business objectives, such as increased lending.

Because the crisis hit small businesses so hard, it is especially encouraging to see more of them recover. Rick Hartnack, vice chairman and head of consumer and small business holding at U.S. Bank concurs: “Things are starting to improve, and for the thousands of small businesses that will help our economy grow, we are ready to support them.”